Attacks on Social Programs are Attacks on the Poor

 

Poor from Edge search- photo free to use

Have you ever known someone who got food stamps?

Do you know any folks getting help under the Medicaid or Medicare programs?

Do you know anyone who got government help to train for a job after they became too disabled to do their previous work?

Do you know anyone who borrowed a book from a public library?

These socialist programs are under attack by Conservatives in 2020.

It’s no secret that conservatives believe people should take the responsibility for their own welfare and not be a tax burden on their fellow citizens. Conservatives oppose socialism.

Truly, businesses and workers would pay less in taxes if social programs were cancelled provided that the money wasn’t spent on other projects.

I have known a lot of people who depended on food stamps (or food benefits) and Medicaid until they were able to obtain work. Others need financial assistance to retrain for work following a disability.

Personally, I don’t mind paying taxes to help others. It is true that some people will try to cheat us and take more than their fair share. That’s human nature. And cheating taxpayers is not limited to the poor who often get caught. Mega-cheats can be found in corporations too. So, we must pay extra for fraud investigators as a part of dealing with human beings.

Religious Programs

Some tell me that they would rather give to religious organizations than government programs. That can be a good thing. Some fine organizations show up following disasters and others help their communities. Unfortunately, religious organizations are not required to serve all Americans like government programs do. Private agencies depend on donations. Some require participation in religious practices, and some pay exorbitant salaries to their executives—something you won’t find in government offices.

Capitalism Instead

Capitalism had been a way of life in America for decades. Capitalism incentivizes people to work for a living. But capitalism does not offer social support when people cannot work. As more and more people struggled to survive, social programs were developed to provide food, education, and basic medical care. Americans don’t do much for their citizens compared to other nations who are less wealthy.

Attacks on social programs are really attacks on people who will go without food and medicine unless they happen to find a good paying job or someone with compassion. Keep in mind, some are too young to work and some are too disabled to work.

Attacks on socialism are attacks on the poor who require social programs to survive. Even some who are employed do not earn enough to cover all their expenses.

Resources

What does the US provide to citizens? US Government benefits https://www.usa.gov/benefits

How does the US compare with other wealthy nations? We could do better.

“Among the 17 countries evaluated in the Shorter Lives, Poorer Health report, the United States had the highest rates of poverty and child poverty, according to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). More than one in five American children live below the federal poverty level, making them more likely to suffer from asthma and obesity and have poorer nutrition, less access to health care and lower vaccination rates.” (apa.org)

Doesn’t the US give a lot of aid to poor nations?

The US gives a small percentage of its income to other nations. According to the Center for Global Development, the US ranks 27^th. You might see high dollar amounts given by the US. The US does give more if you focus on dollars instead of percentages. The issue is complicated when you consider what type of aid is given to whom. It is good that the US gives a lot. Perhaps the point is, we could do more. (See npr)